Drew Flynn, whose family owns and operates the popular downtown Wilmington restaurant Hell’s Kitchen, is finding himself in good company these days as a number of area eateries have recently elbowed into the brunch business on Sundays.

Their offering, which pushes a little later than most until 3:00 or even 4:00 p.m., marks a more casual departure from the sometimes frilly fruit salads and dainty breakfast fare. A favorite since launching the service this spring has been the hearty HK Eggs Florentine, comprised of two eggs, sautéed spinach and fried tomato drizzled with buffalo sauce served with home fries and toast for $7.50. A Bloody Mary can be had for $4, and their Bottomless Bubbly deal provides all the Mimosa you can handle for $15.

On the opposite end of the county, Kornerstone Bistro relaunched their version of brunch earlier this spring as well. The upscale-yet-simple Mediterranean fare they’re known for shines through in a Steak and Egg Panini ($10) and Mediterranean Omelet ($10) sharing space on a menu that also features a range of classy Eggs Benedict variations. Owner Robert Pickens said the service has found good traction in the community they serve near Porter’s Neck, and that live music has helped make it a top draw on the north end of Market St. Their Bloody Mary will set you back a few shekels more at $7, but it comes garnished with a whole meatball slider in addition to pickles and cheese.

A little closer to home, StarNews New Hanover County reporter Ashley Withers can’t say enough good things about Circa 1922’s brunch, which they also began offering recently. The eatery boasts one of the more extensive brunch menus around, with basic dishes from crepes and waffles to Chicken Orecchiette ($12). As far as Withers is concerned though, there’s no reason to look beyond the Créme Brulee French Toast ($9), which comes with a warning for late risers. “It’s just genius,” she said, “but it sells out really quickly, so you have to get there early.”

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Howdy readers,

Welcome to the StarNews food blog – where we focus on the fine, not-so-fine and just plain funky eats in the Cape Fear region. We cover all sorts of edible tidbits: restaurant buzz, interesting ingredients (and how to use them), recipes, great deals and more.